Bushfire recovery assistance available to Gladstone Region residents
Bushfire-affected residents in the Gladstone Region now have access to $180 per individual and up to $900 for families of five or more to help cover the costs of immediate essentials.
Residents can also access to up to $5000 towards reconnecting essential services to their homes once the danger has passed.
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the assistance would support communities who faced heavy losses and help safely reconnect essential services.
“This is cash in the hand for those worst-hit to help them cover their immediate needs,” Minister Littleproud said. “This will help give dignity to bushfire-affected people in Gladstone and could be used to cover immediate food, clothing, shelter and medical costs.
“We’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these communities and make further assistance available as it is needed.”
Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said the assistance was in addition to the measures already activated for the ongoing bushfire season.
“Eligible individuals and families in Euleilah, Berajondo, Lowmead and Mount Maria areas now have access to grants for food, clothing, emergency accommodation or medical supplies that are needed following the bushfires,” Minister Crawford said.
“We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas and this funding will ensure those that need it most won’t go completely without these holidays.”
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the announcement would provide a much-needed boost to residents impacted by the bushfires.
“I want to thank both Minister Littleproud and Minister Crawford for their swift action in helping deal with our bushfire recovery efforts,” Councillor Burnett said.
“This assistance will help those affected by bushfire regain a sense of normality in what has been an otherwise devasting time in their lives.
“I had an opportunity to visit some of the bushfire-affected areas over the past couple of days and the devastation was tough to see.
“I want to see people recover from this quickly and this funding assistance will go a long way in achieving that.”
People who are suffering hardship and in need of assistance can call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to access support.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Further Information on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au or at www.disaster.qld.gov.au Council has also established a Pop-up Community Hub at Rosedale Memorial Hall (77 James Street) to aid bushfire-affected residents.
The Pop-up Community Hub will be open from 9am-5pm tomorrow (21 December) and again on Sunday. Contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 if you require further information regarding the Pop-up Community Hub.
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